When did the bassoon take its modern form?
Known for its rich, dark timbre, this double-reed instrument took its modern form in the early 19th century as it evolved out of earlier instruments such as the dulcian. Innovators such as Carl Almenräder expanded the concept into the modern bassoon with added volume for symphonic settings and a notably wide range.
Who is the owner of woodwind and Brasswind bassoons?
The company has since been passed on to his son Alan Fox and has also expanded into other instruments but its excellence in bassoons remains. While Fox bassoons certainly have a prominent presence, Woodwind & Brasswind is also proud to offer bassoons from Schreiber, Amati, Selmer, J Puchner, Jupiter, and Allora.
Who was the bassoonist for the Chicago Symphony?
Hugo Fox was the principal bassoonist from 1922-1949 in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After this period he began perfecting the bassoon and made his first instrument in 1951. The company has since been passed on to his son Alan Fox and has also expanded into other instruments but its excellence in bassoons remains.
Where does the Heckel system of bassoons come from?
While the Buffet System is used in France, Belgium, and parts of Latin America, the Heckel System is far more prevalent in most of the rest of the world. The German Heckel System traces its roots to Carl Almenräder who developed a 17-key bassoon that ranges four octaves in the early 19th century.
How do you play a woodwind bassoon?
Like other members of the woodwind family, this instrument is played by forcing air across the reeds and into the main tube of the instrument. As the air passes through the curved tube, air holes are opened and closed with the fingers through the use of keys to vary the tone that is emitted.
What kind of tone does a bassoon have?
Considered a double-reed woodwind, this instrument provides a deep tone and is commonly used to emphasize the bass sounds in an orchestra or ensemble. Whether youre just beginning or you wish to add to your skill set by switching from another instrument in this family, playing the bassoon can be a rewarding and an enriching experience.
How are the air holes in a bassoon closed?
As the air passes through the curved tube, air holes are opened and closed with the fingers through the use of keys to vary the tone that is emitted. Due to the size, bassoonists typically sit with this musical instrument and utilize certain straps to hold it in place.